Long Branch, NJ Hotel Fire, Nov 1956

Long Branch, N.J. (AP) -- The Riviera Hotel and an adjoining rooming house burned to the ground today in a swift fire which did damage estimated at $100,000.
Fire Chief ARTHUR GREEN said the blaze started on the ground floor of the unoccupied hotel from an unknown cause and engulfed the three story building at 156 Ocean Ave. within 20 minutes.
It spread to a three-story rooming house at 164 Ocean Ave., also unoccupied. Both buildings are of wood frame and were boarded up for the winter.
Police CAPT. C. CARROLL GREEN said he will call in an investigator for the National Board of Fire Underwriters to assist him in a probe of the cause.
The owner of the hotel is PAUL PUGLIESE of Newark. It had more than 50 rooms but only the chimneys were left standing.
The rooming house was owned by MRS. CONCHETTA FARINA, also of Newark.
A tool shed at the rear of her property, owned by MRS. ANNA LABBATE, also was damaged.
Fire Chief GREEN estimated damage to the hotel between $75,000 and $100,000 with another $25,000 to the rooming house and shed.
No injuries were reported.